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Critically analyse the character Beowulf from the epic poem Beowulf
Beowulf character analysis essay
Critically analyse the character Beowulf from the epic poem Beowulf
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Honor and family are two values that are relevant in the history of cultures that motivate the actions of epic heroes in stories as well as the monsters.. The poems “Dream of the Rood” and Beowulf demonstrates these concepts while tying in the cultural importance of that time period, in this case the Anglo-Saxon culture during the Middle Ages. The meaning of honor is to fulfill one’s destiny to fight for the king and succeed in the rules set forth in the culture. Family is important because in Anglo-Saxon culture, warriors’ reputation is based on who their family was and their successes or failures. The definition that describes human and monsters would be humans have the capacity to feel empathy as well as respect the culture while monsters
Beowulf is a superior hero, he is an honorable man and a selfless being who prioritizes his comrade above anything. Beowulf displays traits that are important in the 21st century. Beowulf prioritizes other people before himself. When he killed Grendel, he didn’t do it for the prize but he did it for the respect of his men and the honor. Beowulf is a despicable leader that is able to lead his men to victory like the time they hunted and took down Grendel.
Was Beowulf an honorable hero? Absolutely! He was an honorable hero. In this essay I will tell the reason for his titled name. The reasons that will be explained includes: the actions he did, the type of person he was and what he believed him, and his relentless fighting efforts towards every monster/creature around.
The hero in the epic poem Beowulf is the main character, Beowulf. He demonstrates heroic qualities as soon as the readers are introduced to his character. Beowulf proves himself to be courageous and brave by voluntarily fighting the “undefeatable” monster, Grendel. He is greatly admired by both the Danes and Geats for his courageous acts. Although his motivation is altered to only benefit himself with the title of the greatest warrior, his plan to save the Danes is greatly appreciated by all in the land.
Beowulf is a true hero showing no fear and selflessly volunteering himself to fight Grendel for killing men in Herot with his, “Hell-forged hands,” and accomplished victory, “A prince of the Geats, had killed Grendel. Ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering forced on helpless people by a bloodthirsty fiend. No Dance doubted the Victory,” (404-408). Continuously, Beowulf puts himself into more danger, risking his life. Struggling he fights Grendel’s mother for killing Aeschere, “Angry; the steel-edged blade lay where he 'd dropped it.
The definition of a true hero is very subjective as people have their own opinions on what makes someone a hero. Some people might consider someone who does the right thing a hero, for some it may be people who fight for their country. The characteristics of a hero might vary, but in the epic “Beowulf,” Beowulf is sought out to be the hero because of three main traits; his noble cause, code of honor, and his strength and courage. Each of these traits makes up the hero he is portrayed to be. One of the first qualities described in the epic is the act of a noble cause.
I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me” (2511-2515). In conclusion, Beowulf is an epic hero. Although he made risky decisions, he did them for his people. He possessed the qualities of a hero; bravery, loyalty and fearlessness.
In the beginning, Beowulf was introduced as a young and powerful warrior whose heroism is defined by his great strength.
Beowulf is a well known, mighty warrior in his youthful days showing nothing but courage and strength. “The
In today’s society, anybody can be considered a hero. A hero is a selfless person who is admired for their courageous achievements. A mother, celebrity, or even a mailman can be a hero to someone. In Beowulf, the epic poem translated by Burton Raffel, Beowulf is recognized as a hero who craves too much glory. In today’s world, Beowulf is viewed as an irrelevant hero since he displays poor qualities of arrogance and selfishness.
Christopher Reeves once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Although Beowulf was human, he was not an ordinary individual, hero, or king, for he was a man who displayed superhuman qualities in his efforts to protect the Danish and Geatish people. Beowulf, who was established Geatish warrior that spent his life in battle, showed these extraordinary characteristics that made him an epic hero, one who possesses superhuman, almost god-like qualities. Being constantly on a quest, risking his life for glory and the greater good of society, and being superiorly intelligent, courageous and strong are the three most important reasons why Beowulf deserves such a notable
In the epic poem “Beowulf” the character Beowulf is the foundation for all of our modern heroes, but was he really a great hero? A hero is classified as a person who is admired for their bravery, achievements, or nobility. Although Beowulf displays all these qualities, there are several reasons he is not a hero, mainly him being egotistical and arrogant. This is why Beowulf is not a heroic person. Beowulf is often caught bragging about himself and his great accomplishments.
Beowulf possessed the poised demeanor necessary to defeat all evils by the arrogant swing of his sword. The commitment shown by lending his life to the welfare of his people was imperative in order to be called a flawless warrior. Beowulf embodied the determination that Anglo-Saxons saw as unmeasurably valuable. If nothing more than just fiction, Beowulf is the ideal hero of the people from who he originated. “They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.”
Christopher Reeve (AKA the 1978 superman) said that, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”. Both Beowulf and Modern day heroes are similar in that way in that they fight for the common good of people. That quote from Christopher Reeves on what a modern day hero is, also applies to the epic hero qualities that Beowulf has. Similarly Beowulf and a modern day hero defeat an evil so that good can prevail. Some examples are, Beowulf Slaying Grendel and Grendel's mother to save the land of the Danes, and soldiers fighting enemies that threaten the lives of a country, and police officers putting criminals behind bars.
The traits that build up a perfect hero are all described in the acts of an epic poem called Beowulf . This poem set its lights on the character called Beowulf , who is a hero from the tribe called Geats . With his exceptional characteristics , he vanquished the enemy of the Danes called Grendel , as well as Grendel's mother , and a fire-breathing dragon . One of the most essential attributes a hero should have is honesty , which is the act of being truthful or sincere towards people . Beowulf proved the existence of that trait in his personality when he stated all the battles he conquered to King Hrothgar in the time of volunteering to kill Grendel .
